“HSUS’s primary responsibility is to establish the highest safety and operating standards in the helicopter skiing industry,” explains Tait Wardlaw, HSUS board member. “As such, education for guides is a central ingredient in this process. Lel’s combined experience in the field and expertise in avalanche education will add significant value to our educational programs.”

Tone brings over 20 years of experience in the snow safety arena where she has worked as a ski patroller, heli-ski guide and avalanche course educator. Tone is a Level 3 avalanche technician and possesses Level 1 and 2 teaching certifications from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). For the last five years Tone has also aided in designing technical outdoor clothing for Eddie Bauer’s First Ascent line.

In Tone’s new role as educational director, she will work directly with HSUS board members to oversee content, criteria and educational resources for its mechanized guide school. Tone will also consolidate relevant, robust course content for all HSUS programs, work with guest lecturers and provide additional topical recommendations for course enhancement.

Heli-Ski US Association was formalized as a 501C corporation in 1981 to provide a more formal approach to the development of standards and protocols for helicopter skiing activities within the US. For more information on HSUS and partner operators visit www.heliskius.org